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Countering Bullying and Harassment

Bullying and Harassment are not acceptable in ACT public schools

These policies provide the code of conduct for acceptable behaviour of students, staff, parents and visitors to ACT public schools.

Bullying, Harassment and Violence, Countering, in ACT Public Schools (35kb)
Sexual Harassment, Countering, in ACT Public Schools (36kb)
Racism, Countering, in ACT Public Schools (43kb)
Providing Safe Schools P-12 (481kb)
Code of Conduct Brochure (430kb)
Code of Conduct Poster (331kb)

We all have the right to be treated with fairness and dignity. We all have the right to learn in a safe and supportive school environment that values diversity - an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence.

Stopping bullying is everyone’s responsibility

What is bullying?
Bullying can happen at school or in the community and can take various forms.

Bullying is deliberate. It is the desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone. It can be with words or actions such as giving nasty looks, name-calling, making rude gestures, calling names, being rude and impolite, spreading stories and rumours.

Bullies can tease or threaten other students. Bullying can also exclude other students from being part of a group or by ganging up on you. It can be by one person or more.

It includes sending hurtful or scary messages on telephones, SMS text messages or emails or ‘cyberbullying’ through internet chat rooms.

It usually involves repeated actions. The differences in power make bullying possible.

Verbal abuse is the most common form of bullying.

If someone is trying to bully you, there are things you can do. If students have been bullied they need to talk to an adult and seek support. Taking action early is important to effectively counter bullying behaviours.

If you are or your child is being bullied, please report it to your school.

The Department policy Countering Bullying and Harassment in ACT Public Schools.

If, after talking to your school, you are still concerned, please contact the Schools Network on the following numbers: